Washington, DC—On April 23, 2015, the Women’s Foreign Policy Group held its annual DC Celebration of Women Diplomats hosted by Ambassador Maguy Maccario Doyle of Monaco at her residence. The program honored the achievements of women ambassadors and deputy chiefs of mission to the United States including the ambassadors of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Hungary, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Oman, as well as the chargé d’affaires of Albania and Antigua and Barbuda, and the deputy chiefs of mission of Singapore and South Africa. During the event, the ambassadors briefly described their mentors and challenges that shaped their experiences as women leaders. They also offered advice to the next generation of women leaders in foreign policy.

Ambassador Maguy Maccario Doyle of Monaco reflected on her mentor, Princess Grace, stating that the Princess welcomed her and encouraged her to voice her opinions, even though the Ambassador was very young at the time. She discussed how over the course of her career she has learned the importance of professionalism because women in foreign policy have to constantly prove their skills to men. Ambassador Maccario Doyle urged that young women must not be afraid to integrate the best of their personalities into their work because it will make them more genuine and inspiring leaders. Ambassador Jadranka Negrodić of Bosnia and Herzegovina also highlighted the importance of professionalism and female professors. Through their guidance and her studies, she learned to stand up for what is important, which has aided her in all aspects of her career and life.

Deputy Chief of Mission Jolene Tan of Singapore explained that her greatest challenge is balancing family, work, and other commitments. She said that working as part of a team enables her to overcome this challenge, and that she has great trust in her staff. Ambassador Faida Mitifu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the longest serving female ambassador to the US, told a story of how when she arrived in the US as the new ambassador, she was directed towards regular security at first because they assumed the ambassador would be a man. To overcome these challenges the ambassadors stressed that young women should learn how to project confidence and work as part of a team. Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad Al-Mughairy of Oman spoke about how being a woman has actually opened doors for her because people were interested in meeting a female Arab ambassador, the first in the US. She also emphasized that her skills and expertise are what led to her appointment, and that young leaders should strive to become experts in their fields.

All of the honorees encouraged young women to embrace this form of authentic leadership and a balance between being a team player and being assertive. They said that even though women might occasionally have to work harder to be accepted, young women most certainly possess the skills to succeed.

WFPG President Patricia Ellis with Host Ambassador Maguy Maccario Doyle of Monaco		Patricia Ellis with honored women diplomats
Ambassador Jadranka Negodić of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ambassador Claudia Fritsche of Liechtenstein		WFPG Board Member Kate Irvin, WFPG Leadership Cirlce Member Allison Ford, and Ambassador Réka Szemerkényi of Hungary
WFPG Vice Chair Gail Leftwich Kitch with Ambassador Maccario Doyle and Ambassador Szemerkényi of Hungary		WFPG Member Jane Cicala and Deputy Chief of Mission Nowetu Luti of South Africa
WFPG Board Chair Ann Stock greets diplomats and WFPG members and guests		Ambassador Doyle makes opening remarks
Chargé d'Affaires Mamica Toska of Albania		Ambassador Hunaina Al-Mughairy of Oman and Ambassador Szemerkényi of Hungary
Deputy Chief of Mission Teng Jolene Tan of Singapore		Joy-Dee Davis, Chargé d'Affaires of Antigua and Barbuda
Ambassador Faida Mitifu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo		Members and guests mingle after the program

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